About 13 or so years ago I carried a day planner with me everywhere. It was filled with deadlines, appointments, schedules, classes and meetings. I was working two teaching jobs and attending classes for my master’s degree. I was busy. I was stressed. I met myself coming and going.
One summer in 1997, I decided I wouldn’t go back. I was propped up on the sofa watching General Hospital and eating Reece Cups while my first child did flips inside of me. I just knew that wasn’t the life I wanted once my baby was born.
There’s something inside me even now that pulls on the reigns when the extra tries to overtake the necessary.
What I need is time to color, craft or read aloud not one more activity to drive to and from.
What I need is family time, all of us together, playing a game or even just watching Funniest Home Videos on television and listening to my kids and husband laugh. What I don’t need is one more responsibility that takes me away from that time.
What I need are my friends who come over to play and to talk, who call and carry on a conversation through the madness, who drop by, but don’t see my messy house. Fellowships that renew my strength.
What I need is plenty of time at home so my baby can stay on her nap schedule and be happy, so my kids can make up games and dress up and pretend and so I can cook supper and we can have a meal together.
I need to rock babies, give hugs, cuddle, read picture books, talk about Jesus, answer big and small questions, tie shoes, wipe noses, fix drinks, clean spills and say no.
And to do all that, I need to be here.
